Summer is here! The June solstice occurs on Saturday at 3:51am, ushering in a season of celebration, relaxation – and heat. The next few months are likely to be some of the toughest of the drought, so it’s important that we take care of our trees so they’ll make it through this season.

To celebrate the start of summer, we at TreePeople have some tips for how to support trees so that they can support us.

Tip #1: Mulch!

A 3- to 4-inch blanket of mulch serves as a natural insulator for your tree. People aren’t the only ones who like a comfy blanket to snuggle with!

Unlike grass, which competes for water and nutrients, mulch conserves moisture in the soil and breaks down to provide the nutrients that a tree needs to grow.

Because of the drought, there’s only so much water to go around. Save it for the trees: they keep us cool and will help trap water when it finally rains! Give your tree room to stretch out its roots and pull out any weeds that grow within 4 feet of the trunk.

Tip #3: Let Trees Drink!

Since we haven’t gotten rain in ages, many of the trees throughout the city are parched. Young trees especially need our help, since their roots don’t go as deep down into groundwater systems. But mature trees are thirsty, too – especially those near heat traps like driveways!

Not sure how often to water? We’ve got tips for you on our website and the Los Angeles Department of Water & Power has information about watering schedules and turf rebates.

Tip #4: Help out!

Every week, we’re out at parks around the city watering trees, weeding out invasive species, restoring habitats, and undertaking other drought response measures. Come join us! Working together, we can keep our trees and parks healthy.

Or, you know, we at least can make sure everyone gets a treat – trees and people included.

Tip #5: Savor Our Shade!

Spend some time with the trees in your life – because when it’s hot out, what better place to be than in the shade of a gorgeous, Southern California tree? Remember: trees need people, and people need trees.

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About TreePeople

TreePeople is an environmental nonprofit that unites the power of trees, people and nature-based solutions to grow a sustainable future for Los Angeles. Simply put, our work is about helping nature heal our cities.